Karen Jean Snyder, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed peacefully on July 19, 2025 just days before her 83rd birthday.
She was born in Oak Park, Ill. on July 31, 1942 to Walter and Kathryn Bowen Fossel.
She grew up with her older twin siblings, Ron and Barbara. Karen lived a life defined by love, faith, and service to others. She and her husband, Eugene started a life together at a young age, eventually moving from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest to raise their family in Seattle. Karen raised her four children – Greg, Laurie, Jim, and Mike – instilling in them the values of compassion, humility, and grace. Though she mourned the loss of her firstborn son, Greg in recent years, Karen’s faith remained unshaken and her love for her family continued to shine brightly.
Karen’s greatest love was Jesus, and her life was a reflection of His teachings. She was born with a servant’s heart and found joy in caring for others. Whether it was through small acts of kindness or simply being present when someone needed her, Karen lived a life of humility, grace, and selfless love.
She is survived by her husband, Eugene; her children, Laurie, Jim, and Mike; and 12 grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of kindness and compassion. Karen leaves behind a life well lived and a model of what it means to love generously and serve faithfully.
Her gentle spirit and unwavering love will be missed beyond words, but her example will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves this world having made it a better, kinder place. She will be truly missed.
“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 at First Christian Church, 775 W. Highland Ave., Hermiston, with a reception to follow in the banquet hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local shelter in Hermiston; Stepping Stones Alliance would be her choice. You can also just do something kind for someone who needs it.
Please share memories of Karen with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangement.
